Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry into the United States and consequently missed the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, has been appointed to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.
The match is scheduled for August 12 in Salzburg, Austria, and will feature UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain against Europa League champions Aston Villa.
Artan, 34, was originally selected among the officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (June 11–July 19), but was unable to participate after U.S. authorities refused him entry despite holding a valid visa and diplomatic passport.
UEFA said his appointment followed discussions with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) under a cooperation agreement between both organisations.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin described Artan as one of Africa’s most accomplished referees, praising his experience and consistency at the highest level of CAF competitions.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe also welcomed the appointment, calling it recognition of Artan’s “world-class officiating credentials” and a proud moment for Somalia and African football.
Artan, the 2025 CAF Men’s Referee of the Year and a FIFA-listed official since 2018, was set to become the first Somali referee at a FIFA World Cup before his exclusion sparked controversy.
A U.S. official later claimed he was denied entry due to alleged links with “suspected members of terror organisations,” a claim that drew scrutiny and broader debate about immigration restrictions affecting sporting events.
Despite missing the World Cup, his UEFA Super Cup appointment marks a major career milestone and makes him the first African referee to take charge of a major UEFA final.
